The SMU Mustangs can clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff when they face the 17th-seeded Clemson Tigers in the 2024 ACC Championship Game on Saturday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. () would enter the playoffs as conference champions at 12th Move in teams. But if SMU, ranked No. 8 in the latest CFP rankings, were to lose, the Mustangs would be at the mercy of the CFP selection committee for an open spot and would likely find themselves in a resume battle against Alabama. Clemson, a three-loss team, needs a win and an automatic chance to be among the top-five conference champions to make the field.

Kickoff is at 8:00 p.m. ET. The Mustangs are 2.5-point favorites in the latest SMU vs. Clemson odds, while the over/under for total points is 55.5. (For current odds for every game this week, visit our college football odds page.)

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The model knows SMU has been stingy against the run this season. Led by several defensive backs who transferred in the offseason, the Mustangs lead the conference and rank fourth nationally in rushing yards allowed per game (95.8). They also rank third nationally in yards per carry allowed (2.80), behind only Ole Miss and Indiana.

But the model also took into account that Clemson has a playmaker behind center in Cade Klubnik. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound junior from Austin, Texas, has thrown 29 touchdowns this season, ranking fourth nationally. He also averages 289.8 yards of total offense per game, which ranks 12th nationally.

The model has SMU vs. Clemson in its sights for Saturday. We can tell you that it is above the total value, and it says so In over 60% of simulations, one side of the spread applies. You MUST see it before making any college football picks.

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